Theme/Big Idea: The gospel is sufficient for the past, present and future.Aim/Appropriation/Application: Pray that God would strengthen us to know this trustworthy guide of the sacred writings that are able to make us wise unto salvation.

3. The Gospel Is Sufficient for the Portend (Future) – Continue Following (2 Tim. 3:14-15)A. Continue in What you have learned and firmly believed.B. Remember whom you’ve heard this message from.C. From childhood acquainted with the sacred writings.

Questions for Further Study:(1) Is the gospel worth a life of suffering for you? Is the gospel worth laying down your life?(2) What is worth walking through the muck and mire of the sloughs of this life from fighting sin, to suffering to preach the gospel?(3) In your relationships at RBC can you name the (a) teaching, (b) purpose and (c) conduct of any other brothers and sisters here? How can we get to know each other so that we might be able to disciple each other in Christ in knowing these things in each others’ lives?(4) What is your life teaching/discipling others in how to follow Jesus Christ? Is your life teaching what you want it to teach? Is your life worthy of imitation in Jesus Christ?(5) Do you live your life in following Christ with the awareness of verse 12: “all who desire to live a godly life in Chris Jesus will be persecuted.” See also 1 Peter 4:2 “…don’t be surprised at the fiery trial…” See also Matthew 10:21-22.(6) Where do you see opposition from others because of your faith in the gospel in your life?(7) If we aren’t facing persecution is that an indication that I’m being unfaithful? And if we aren’t facing persecution in our individual lives because of unfaithfulness are we aware of the suffering of brothers and sisters in Christ who are are one with in Jesus Christ? As Hebrews 13:3 says, “Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.”(8) What deceptions are you prone to believe? Are there any ways that you are inclined to self-deception? Get into each other’s lives to help you know things in your life that you may be blind to.(9) If you’re not a Christian, or maybe you call yourself one, but you really aren’t, do you want to know how you can be saved from God’s eternal wrath in hell? Acquaint yourself with the sacred writings. What are they saying about who Jesus Christ is? This is the only thing that can make us wise unto salvation.(10) As many celebrate Christmas this week ask yourself what your life is driven by? And where can you find hope in the midst of the sloughs we walk through? Find it in the gospel, in the sacred writings in the Bible, salvation through Jesus Christ alone. This alone is a sufficient foundation for the past, present and future. Build your life upon Christ through His Word.